Governor Ademola Adeleke renews call for the redeployment of the Osun police commissioner as the Inspector-General of Police assures residents of stronger action against political violence

The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of suspected political thugs responsible for violent attacks across the state, insisting that recurring incidents of politically motivated violence must come to an end.

Governor Adeleke also renewed his demand for the redeployment of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, accusing him of failing to act impartially in addressing political violence and maintaining public confidence in law enforcement.

The governor made the remarks on Friday at the Government House in Osogbo while receiving the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the ICT Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Adegoke Fayoade.

Also present were the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone XI, Akinyele Fasuba, and Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan.

According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke expressed concern over what he described as the increasing wave of political violence and alleged inaction by some security personnel.

“You are in this state at a time negligence and partisanship of some of your officers have worsened political violence in the state,” the governor said.

He alleged that some police officers were collaborating with political thugs, thereby undermining efforts to maintain law and order.

“You visit us at a time some policemen are openly known to be collaborating with political thugs to unleash violence on our people.

Your official entrance comes at a time when we have recorded three unresolved political murders in the last few weeks, namely Eluyera at Ikire, Ezekiel at Ilobu and Aderogba at Esa Oke. There has been no single arrest,” Adeleke stated.

The governor further alleged that armed political thugs had recently moved around parts of the state attacking residents and vandalising property without facing arrest.

“In Osun today, political thugs drove round the town, shooting sporadically, attacking innocent residents. They destroyed Accord billboards.

Yet, the police command looks the other way. Even when the suspects are well known, there has been no single arrest.

“Only in Osun State do we have police operatives eager to arrest Accord members on the most minor of grounds but have yet to arrest a single suspect in a series of murders and gun attacks,” he added.

Adeleke said he expected concrete action following the intervention of the Inspector-General of Police and reiterated that the current police commissioner had failed to meet the expectations of the state government.

“I have listened to the message from the IGP. We wait to see the outcome of these interventions. We count on you to stop the spate of killings. Your state police commissioner has failed us,” he said.

Responding, Deputy Inspector General Adegoke Fayoade conveyed the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, instructing senior police officers in the state to ensure that all acts of violence and criminality are thoroughly investigated.

“I have also directed the AIG and the Commissioner of Police, on the order of the IG, that any act of murder or brigandage or any unlawful act perpetrated in the state must be fully investigated. Anybody found culpable should be arrested and prosecuted,” Fayoade said.

He also assured residents that the police would provide adequate security ahead of the forthcoming elections in Osun State.

“I want to assure you that the Osun State forthcoming elections will be conducted under a very peaceful atmosphere.

We can recall the last election in Anambra; just last Saturday, the Ekiti election was conducted under a very peaceful atmosphere and we don’t want anything different from that in Osun State.

That is the standard that has been set and that is the standard we are going to follow,” he said.

Fayoade further pledged that the Osun State Police Command would discharge its constitutional responsibilities professionally and without bias.

“Your Excellency, I am assuring you that the police will live up to expectations. The Commissioner of Police and his men will perform their duties in line with the Constitution and the rule of law.

We are not going to allow anybody to violate the law of the land and cause any havoc or uneasiness in the state,” he added.

The exchange comes amid heightened political tension in Osun State ahead of future electoral activities.

In recent weeks, allegations of politically motivated attacks and clashes have drawn concern from political leaders and residents, prompting renewed calls for impartial policing, prompt investigations and the prosecution of those responsible for violence regardless of political affiliation.